Newport Gwent Dragons coach Darren Edwards believes Dan Lydiate still has
enough time to book his place on the Lions tour, and will allow the Wales
flanker to play "until he drops" to help him make the trip Down
Under.

Raring to go: Dan Lydiate could still make the squad for the British and Irish Lions tour, according to Newport Gwent Dragons coach Darren EdwardsPhoto: PA

Lydiate, the player of the 2012 Six Nations, made his return from six months out after breaking and dislocating his ankle against the Ospreys on Friday night.

The 25-year-old played the first 40 minutes of the 52-19 defeat before being withdrawn as planned at half-time, having not taken a full part in training during the build-up.

There are only four games of the season left for Lydiate to show he is ready to be selected in Warren Gatland's touring party, but Edwards is confident the tough-tackling back-rower has enough time to prove his readiness, and will be helped by Gatland's knowledge of his work with Wales.

He said: "A month is enough time for a player of Dan's quality to prove himself worthy of a Lions spot. He has worked very hard and all he needs is to blow away the cobwebs.

"I am sure Warren Gatland knows what balance of team he wants and knows that Dan, with his hard hitting and physicality, would have stood out for Wales against England."